How To Combine Foods For Better Digestion

Digestion is a complex function -- 22 different enzymes are needed to break down food into usable nutrients. Digestion begins in the mouth with the release of enzymes in your saliva and the act of chewing. It continues down the esophagus, into your stomach, through your intestines and finally ends with elimination. Food combining theory suggests that certain foods should not be eaten together because the enzymes and acidic environment needed for digestion of those foods are different. For example, proteins and carbohydrates should not be eaten at the same time, because protein requires much more stomach acid for proper digestion.

Step 1

Do not eat starches with proteins, but eat vegetables with either one. According to the Wolfe Clinic, green vegetables should form the basis of your diet and can be combined with meat or grains. Only eat one type of protein at a single meal -- do not combine meat with nuts or cheese. Protein should not be combined with fat, which slows digestion. For example, scrambled eggs with cheese, a side of bacon and a slice of toast would not be allowed on a food combining plan. Instead, eat scrambled eggs with spinach and mushrooms, but skip the cheese, meat or starch.

Step 2

Eat melon by itself -- melons do not combine with any other type of food. There are three categories of fruit: acid fruits that include citrus, pomegranates and tomatoes; sub-acid fruits that include apples, pears, plums and grapes; and sweet fruits, such as bananas, raisins and dried fruits. Sub-acid fruits combine with either sweet fruits or acid fruits, but not at the same time. Acid fruit and sweets fruits should not be combined.

Step 3

Limit refined sugars and avoid desserts. Sugar, which includes honey and maple syrup, are not recommended because they digest too quickly. When sugars are combined with foods that don't digest as quickly -- especially fat -- the sugar ferments in your stomach, causing indigestion.

Tips and Warnings

Food combining is complicated -- you may need a book or chart to help you learn what foods may be eaten together.
There is little scientific data to back up the theory of food combining. A study published in 2000 in the "International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders" concluded that food combining "did not bring any additional loss in weight and body fat" compared to a standard balanced diet. Nutritionist Jane Clarke of the UK's Daily Mail says that "food-combining doesn't make scientific sense. Our bodies are designed to digest different foods together, and there isn't any physiological reason why we can't digest and absorb proteins and carbohydrates from the same meal."